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Dependency Poisoning

Definition

Dependency poisoning is a software supply chain attack where malicious code is introduced into a project through a compromised or deceptive external library. Attackers upload malicious versions of popular libraries to public repositories or create similarly named, harmful packages that developers inadvertently include in their projects. When the legitimate project builds, it pulls in the poisoned dependency, thereby integrating the hostile code. This method allows attackers to compromise systems that use the affected software without directly breaching the target’s infrastructure.